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The car pulled smoothly to the curb in front of the building, the city lights glowing against the glass fa?ade. The driver stepped out to open the back door, and Amanda slipped out first, offering her hand to Ericka as she followed.
Ericka took it without hesitation, her grip warm, steady—grateful. They walked side by side into the lobby, heels clicking against polished marble until they reached the private elevator. Amanda pressed the button, her eyes sliding to Ericka.
"You hungry?" Amanda asked softly. "Want to order something?"
Ericka let out a small breath, her lips curving faintly. "Yes. I don't even care what at this point—I just want food."
Amanda smirked, pulling her phone from her pocket. "Alright. Comfort food, then. I'll order once we're upstairs."
The elevator doors opened, and they stepped inside together. The ride was quiet but comfortable, Amanda's hand brushing against Ericka's, lingering until their fingers laced together.
When they reached the penthouse, Amanda set her bag down by the door and shrugged off her coat. She glanced at Ericka, her eyes softening at the sight of the faint weariness still shadowing her features.
"You," Amanda said gently, brushing her knuckles against Ericka's arm, "are getting a bath."
Ericka raised a brow, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Are you ordering me to relax?"
Amanda leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek. "Exactly. Sit down, let me handle this."
While Ericka moved toward the sofa, Amanda disappeared into the bathroom. A few moments later, the sound of running water filled the air. Amanda adjusted the taps until steam curled into the room, then added a splash of lavender bath oil, the calming scent rising with the heat.
By the time she returned to the living room, Ericka had kicked off her shoes and leaned back, head resting against the cushions. Amanda knelt by the coffee table, phone in hand.
"Food's on the way," she said softly. "Hot bath's ready."
Ericka tilted her head, her eyes warm as she looked at Amanda. "You really don't give me a choice, do you?"
Amanda smiled, brushing her fingers lightly across Ericka's hand. "Not when it comes to taking care of you."
Amanda rose from the floor, sliding her phone into her pocket. She reached for Ericka's hand, her touch gentle but sure. "Come on," she said softly.
Ericka let Amanda pull her up, her body moving on instinct more than will. Amanda's fingers laced with hers as she guided her down the hallway toward the master bath, the soft light spilling from the doorway and the faint scent of lavender meeting them before they even stepped inside.
The tub was already steaming, tiny ripples of water catching the glow of the recessed lights. Amanda turned to Ericka with a small, steady smile. "Let's get you comfortable."
She helped Ericka slip out of her blazer, folding it neatly across the counter. Next came her blouse, her skirt, each piece handled with care, as if Amanda were undressing her not just out of love but out of quiet reverence. Ericka let her, her movements slow, her eyes never leaving Amanda's face.
When the last layer was gone, Amanda steadied her by the hand, guiding her carefully into the bath. Ericka lowered herself into the steaming water with a soft sigh, her head leaning back as the warmth enveloped her.
"There," Amanda whispered, brushing a few stray strands of hair from her forehead. "Just relax."
Ericka hummed quietly in response, her lips curving into a faint, sleepy smile. Amanda pressed a kiss to her temple before straightening.
"I'll let you soak," Amanda said gently. "I'll be in the living room, finishing up some work. Call me if you need anything."
She left the bathroom door cracked slightly, just enough to hear if Ericka called, then padded back to the living room. Setting her laptop on the coffee table, she opened her email and began combing through the day's updates.
One by one, she organized messages, flagged the important ones, and double-checked Ericka's schedule for the rest of the week. Investor calls, fittings, strategy meetings—all neatly aligned, gaps smoothed over, Amanda's notes filling in the small details others always missed.
She worked quietly, the click of the keys a calm rhythm, all while keeping half an ear tuned to the faint sound of water in the next room.
The soft sound of water sloshing echoed faintly as Ericka stood and reached for a towel. She dried herself slowly, savoring the lingering warmth clinging to her skin. Pulling on a soft set of loungewear, she ran her fingers through her damp hair and padded barefoot down the hallway.
The glow of the living room pulled her forward. Amanda was curled into the couch, laptop balanced on her knees, brow furrowed in concentration as her fingers flew across the keys. She was so focused she didn't hear Ericka's quiet footsteps on the hardwood.
Ericka smiled faintly, her heart tugging at the sight. She moved closer, slipping her arms gently around Amanda from behind.
Amanda stiffened in surprise, then let out a soft laugh, leaning back into the embrace. "You scared me," she murmured, closing her laptop halfway.
"I know," Ericka said with a small smirk against her ear. "You get so locked in when you're working. I couldn't resist."
Amanda tilted her head back slightly, letting her cheek brush against Ericka's. "Well, I'm not complaining." She reached up to squeeze Ericka's arm, her voice softening. "Feel better?"
"Much," Ericka admitted, hugging her tighter. "Thanks to you."
Before Amanda could respond, the sound of a knock echoed from the front door.
Amanda glanced toward it, then at Ericka with a smile. "That'll be dinner."
Ericka reluctantly let go, padding over to open the door. The delivery driver handed off the bags, and within minutes, the scent of warm food filled the penthouse, curling around them with comforting ease.
Amanda had the food spread out neatly on the coffee table—containers opened, silverware set—but her laptop was still perched in front of her. She typed quickly, eyes narrowing slightly as she adjusted a note on Ericka's calendar and flagged another email for follow-up.
Ericka settled down beside her, sliding one of the takeout boxes closer. She watched for a moment, amusement flickering in her eyes at how focused Amanda still was. Then, leaning forward, she gently closed Amanda's laptop.
"Honey," Ericka said softly, her voice firm but warm. "It's time to eat. Work can wait."
Amanda blinked, caught off guard, then let out a small laugh. "You sound like me earlier, telling you to relax."
"Exactly," Ericka replied, her lips curving into a smile. "Now I'm returning the favor."
Amanda set the laptop aside with a sigh, rubbing the back of her neck. "You're right. I just wanted to make sure tomorrow runs smoothly."
Ericka picked up a fork and handed it to her. "Tomorrow will take care of itself. Tonight, we eat."
Amanda looked at her for a long moment, then smiled, softer this time. "Yes, ma'am." She leaned over to press a quick kiss to Ericka's cheek before finally digging into the food.